"... who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colosians 1:12b NIV
"You're now Hannah Stuart." A three year old boy in my care shared.
"No, I'm not I'm Hannah Jones," the three year girl answered back.
The argument continued then I heard his logic. "No, you were adopted. You're now Hannah Stuart because I'm James Stuart."
He made a good point. Of the nine kids in my day care five of them recently were adopted into families: two to one family and three to another. The little boy just assumed since he was adopted and his last name changed, and this little girl was adopted too. They both must have the same last name.
I had to explain that a different Mommy and Daddy adopted her, so her name is different. He hasn't quite got it and still insists on calling her "Hannah Stuart".
He did get me thinking though. About how we are each adopted when we accept Christ as our personal Savior. Maybe we don't get a name change, but we do get our name written into God's family. We take on the name child of God.
We are guaranteed an entrance into the Kingdom of heaven. We become God's sons and daughters.
Today our preschool lesson was about everyone being allowed to be in the family of God. We need to treat everyone as our brother and sister. How interesting, all of us are family!
So welcome to the family! My brothers and sisters in Christ.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Storms Will Come
The disciple went and woke him, saying "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" He asked his disciples.
Eerily it looked, but strangely familiar as we drove to church on Sunday. My husband prepared for the down pour by turning on the wipers. Funny how when driving down the road you can see the wall of water just waiting for your arrival.
At times we can have a chance to prepare for the storm. We see the clouds. We hear the rumble of the thunder. Sometimes we're warned a week ahead of time that a storm could be approaching.
Other times though, there is no warning. The storms just happen. Like on one of our field trips this past summer. We were perfectly happy playing putt putt in the morning. We usually get afternoon storms, next thing I knew I felt a rain drop then another and another. "Oh, one of these quick passing sprinkles, right?" No, as we finish the hole we were on, the sky opened and poured on us. We were soaked.
Life can be like this. Sometimes we have a feeling something bad is going to happen. Or we see the warning signs. Sure enough a storm approaches, we're prepared. We have our umbrella close at hand and we're ready to face this storm head on.
Other times though there is no warning sign. We're dealt on unexpected blow, we get soaked. the storm can be tough to bare. We can get through it, it's just a lot harder.
Either way this is where our faith can come in and help us weather the storm. We call out in a panic and the Lord comes to our rescue. He calms the storm, he dries us off, and helps us get through. All we need is a little bit of faith.
Eerily it looked, but strangely familiar as we drove to church on Sunday. My husband prepared for the down pour by turning on the wipers. Funny how when driving down the road you can see the wall of water just waiting for your arrival.
At times we can have a chance to prepare for the storm. We see the clouds. We hear the rumble of the thunder. Sometimes we're warned a week ahead of time that a storm could be approaching.
Other times though, there is no warning. The storms just happen. Like on one of our field trips this past summer. We were perfectly happy playing putt putt in the morning. We usually get afternoon storms, next thing I knew I felt a rain drop then another and another. "Oh, one of these quick passing sprinkles, right?" No, as we finish the hole we were on, the sky opened and poured on us. We were soaked.
Life can be like this. Sometimes we have a feeling something bad is going to happen. Or we see the warning signs. Sure enough a storm approaches, we're prepared. We have our umbrella close at hand and we're ready to face this storm head on.
Other times though there is no warning sign. We're dealt on unexpected blow, we get soaked. the storm can be tough to bare. We can get through it, it's just a lot harder.
Either way this is where our faith can come in and help us weather the storm. We call out in a panic and the Lord comes to our rescue. He calms the storm, he dries us off, and helps us get through. All we need is a little bit of faith.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
God Does Hear
Ask and it will be given to you...For everyone who asks receives Matthew 7:7a & 8a NIV
Funny thing, usually for my birthday or Christmas I don't really have a want. This year though I did. I researched about this item and decided that I really would desire to own it.
I've been working really hard to keep us on a budget. Every week I figure out how much we're going to make and what needs to be paid. This is working out very well. So last week with my birthday approaching I budgeted a certain amount.
This was kind of weird for me to do because I really don't want to spend money on myself. Last year I didn't want to spend money on me, I just wanted to go camping. This year though I set money aside. This item I desired I researched about the different kinds, not the price.
So now came the time to shop, I didn't plan to purchase it myself just leave a hint for my husband. Anyway the amount of the item exceeded the budgeted amount. In my head I tried to justify spending that much money on me. I couldn't do it. It's better to stick to God's plan then my own anyway.
The next day, I gave up on the idea at least at this time. I had a little talk with God, "I'm not giving up hope on this. I know you can give me the desires of my heart and one day you will. Just right now this is a want not a need. Lord, I know you supply our needs and sometimes our wants. Maybe some day I will be able to have this item."
With that done I tried not to think about it. My birthday arrived, and we were camping. Camping is such a nice way to relax. The birthday wishes came (even from a spider who decided to shower with me). I had a nice lunch with some of my family, swam, and then yes it was present time!
I open each package that was chosen for me. It came time to open the one from my parents and guess what--they had purchased the item I wanted. I was touched that they'd spend all that money on me. God answered my prayer through my parents, and now I get to enjoy the item!
God really does care about our wants and our needs.
Funny thing, usually for my birthday or Christmas I don't really have a want. This year though I did. I researched about this item and decided that I really would desire to own it.
I've been working really hard to keep us on a budget. Every week I figure out how much we're going to make and what needs to be paid. This is working out very well. So last week with my birthday approaching I budgeted a certain amount.
This was kind of weird for me to do because I really don't want to spend money on myself. Last year I didn't want to spend money on me, I just wanted to go camping. This year though I set money aside. This item I desired I researched about the different kinds, not the price.
So now came the time to shop, I didn't plan to purchase it myself just leave a hint for my husband. Anyway the amount of the item exceeded the budgeted amount. In my head I tried to justify spending that much money on me. I couldn't do it. It's better to stick to God's plan then my own anyway.
The next day, I gave up on the idea at least at this time. I had a little talk with God, "I'm not giving up hope on this. I know you can give me the desires of my heart and one day you will. Just right now this is a want not a need. Lord, I know you supply our needs and sometimes our wants. Maybe some day I will be able to have this item."
With that done I tried not to think about it. My birthday arrived, and we were camping. Camping is such a nice way to relax. The birthday wishes came (even from a spider who decided to shower with me). I had a nice lunch with some of my family, swam, and then yes it was present time!
I open each package that was chosen for me. It came time to open the one from my parents and guess what--they had purchased the item I wanted. I was touched that they'd spend all that money on me. God answered my prayer through my parents, and now I get to enjoy the item!
God really does care about our wants and our needs.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Someone's Been Wooing You
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
The breeze was much gentler than I thought it would be. I braced for the worse sort of, but turned out to be a typical rainy day in Florida. For this I am grateful.
Funny thing about the wind, it's not something you think about to often. Except when it's not there.
This past summer we had a chance to be on the beach. I was a little concerned about the weather considering where we were going is not a place I would normally go during Hurricane season. The Lord though provided us a glorious day, the wind kept our hot humid day bearable and most pleasant. The wind though also caused for a small craft advisory making the chance to be in a boat impossible
Later in the week I was on a lake. One day there was no wind. The day was hot, humid and a little less bearable. I found relief in the pool and the AC. Wind really does make a difference.
There is someone who is a lot like the wind. Maybe you don't give Him much thought. He's always thinking of you though--in fact He thought of you before you were even you.
Maybe on occasion you think about Him. Like when a crisis hits or everything is going well. Other times you may not think about Him at all. Like when everything is going wrong or life's a breeze.
He's been there through it all whether you acknowledge Him or not. He understands the heart ache, the disappointment, or the sickness. He wants to rejoice with you when you receive the promotion, the healing, or you've found someone special.
He's been calling you all your life, much like the wind has been there. Maybe today will be the day you answer Him or maybe the next time you feel a gentle breeze you'll call out. No matter when it is, He will always be there to answer and in fact he's more reliable than the wind.
The breeze was much gentler than I thought it would be. I braced for the worse sort of, but turned out to be a typical rainy day in Florida. For this I am grateful.
Funny thing about the wind, it's not something you think about to often. Except when it's not there.
This past summer we had a chance to be on the beach. I was a little concerned about the weather considering where we were going is not a place I would normally go during Hurricane season. The Lord though provided us a glorious day, the wind kept our hot humid day bearable and most pleasant. The wind though also caused for a small craft advisory making the chance to be in a boat impossible
Later in the week I was on a lake. One day there was no wind. The day was hot, humid and a little less bearable. I found relief in the pool and the AC. Wind really does make a difference.
There is someone who is a lot like the wind. Maybe you don't give Him much thought. He's always thinking of you though--in fact He thought of you before you were even you.
Maybe on occasion you think about Him. Like when a crisis hits or everything is going well. Other times you may not think about Him at all. Like when everything is going wrong or life's a breeze.
He's been there through it all whether you acknowledge Him or not. He understands the heart ache, the disappointment, or the sickness. He wants to rejoice with you when you receive the promotion, the healing, or you've found someone special.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
It's Easier to Blame
The man said, "The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it." Genesis 3:12 NIV
"I didn't do it," the young boy said.
"I watched you do it." I told him.
"Well, um, he did it first," came the reply.
Why are we so quick to defend ourselves? Why don't we just admit to when we do something wrong? Wouldn't that be much easier?
The blame game goes a long way back, all the way to Adam and Eve. One of the reasons I feel quick to defend myself is I really don't want anyone to know I made a mistake. We all make them, but to admit to them is another thing.
Funny thing is I get frustrated when the kids don't admit to what I've seen them do. It makes me mad. Maybe I should take a lesson from God. He witness what they had done, he knew it before he confronted them. Yet when they hymn and hall about admitting to what they've done, he doesn't yell or lose his cool. He explains their punishment and is done with it.
Also I should just admit to the wrong I've done instead of avoiding the conflict. Life would probably be much simpler if I did. Sure there'd be consequences, but if I'd admit then I could be forgiven and restored.
"I didn't do it," the young boy said.
"I watched you do it." I told him.
"Well, um, he did it first," came the reply.
Why are we so quick to defend ourselves? Why don't we just admit to when we do something wrong? Wouldn't that be much easier?
The blame game goes a long way back, all the way to Adam and Eve. One of the reasons I feel quick to defend myself is I really don't want anyone to know I made a mistake. We all make them, but to admit to them is another thing.
Funny thing is I get frustrated when the kids don't admit to what I've seen them do. It makes me mad. Maybe I should take a lesson from God. He witness what they had done, he knew it before he confronted them. Yet when they hymn and hall about admitting to what they've done, he doesn't yell or lose his cool. He explains their punishment and is done with it.
Also I should just admit to the wrong I've done instead of avoiding the conflict. Life would probably be much simpler if I did. Sure there'd be consequences, but if I'd admit then I could be forgiven and restored.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Running the Race
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1Corinthains 9:25 NIV
Endurance, strict training, improving, learning, all things an Olympic athlete does in order to compete. They spend hours a day training and improving their time or their skill. I really enjoyed watching the different competitions at the Olympics. It was a lot of fun cheering for the USA.
The smiles on their faces were priceless as they realized they won gold. Sometimes they wore the look of disappointment, as the gold was not to be theirs. Still though, I was more impressed at the end of each meet when congratulations were given to each athlete who competed. No matter how they did, I saw hand shakes, hugs, and high fives.
Language barriers were broken down, past grievances forgotten as each country that participated with an open mind. It was nice to see how people of different cultures and beliefs could come together and celebrate the fact that they were good enough to compete.
All this training is tough and a big time commitment, but is it worth really? I guess it probably is or no one would even try. The thing is when it's all said and done will each winner be remembered. Sure there are a few who stand out...Michael Phelps, Mary Lou Retton...but one day someone will be greater and better. Their crown or metals will not last.
There is a crown that will last our relationship with God. We need to train/learn and grow with the same type of training an Olympic athlete does. Endure reading the word of God-it is relevant today. Train your mind to be set on God and not earthly desires. Improve your relationship with God by praying and making Him your best friend. Learn all you can about God. All of these matter and unlike a gold medal will last forever.
Endurance, strict training, improving, learning, all things an Olympic athlete does in order to compete. They spend hours a day training and improving their time or their skill. I really enjoyed watching the different competitions at the Olympics. It was a lot of fun cheering for the USA.
The smiles on their faces were priceless as they realized they won gold. Sometimes they wore the look of disappointment, as the gold was not to be theirs. Still though, I was more impressed at the end of each meet when congratulations were given to each athlete who competed. No matter how they did, I saw hand shakes, hugs, and high fives.
Language barriers were broken down, past grievances forgotten as each country that participated with an open mind. It was nice to see how people of different cultures and beliefs could come together and celebrate the fact that they were good enough to compete.
All this training is tough and a big time commitment, but is it worth really? I guess it probably is or no one would even try. The thing is when it's all said and done will each winner be remembered. Sure there are a few who stand out...Michael Phelps, Mary Lou Retton...but one day someone will be greater and better. Their crown or metals will not last.
There is a crown that will last our relationship with God. We need to train/learn and grow with the same type of training an Olympic athlete does. Endure reading the word of God-it is relevant today. Train your mind to be set on God and not earthly desires. Improve your relationship with God by praying and making Him your best friend. Learn all you can about God. All of these matter and unlike a gold medal will last forever.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Choose Today
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 NIV
I serve the Lord, I am proud to serve the Lord. I am glad I live in a country where serving the Lord is not a crime. I would hope that even if I lived in a country where serving the Lord is a crime, I would have the strength and courage to still serve the Lord.
For me serving the Lord is the best choice I could make. I made the choice to accept the Lord as a preteen in a small church. A song spoke to me, and I realized just attending church or because my parents attended church it wouldn't save me. I needed to ask Jesus to come into my life and forgive me for my wrong doings. So on that day I asked Jesus to be my savior.
I believe this is what helped me not make to bad of choices during the rest of my growing up years. Sure I messed up, but I would once again return to the Lord and seek forgiveness.
Soon though I found I wasn't completely serving the Lord. For some reason I didn't think God needed to be concern with my finances-after all money is a worldly thing not a Godly thing. I found myself in a situation where I was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Borrowing from the credit card to pay the mortgage.
Soon the money ran out, and we were facing foreclosure. I had no where to go except to my knees. That day my life was forever changed. I confessed not because the Lord didn't know-He knew all right-but because when we sin we're called to confess. That day on my knees I confessed, and the Lord saved me. He saved our home! He made it right.
Sure I've messed up from time to time(day to day), but I always return to the one who knows me better than anyone else. So I am proud to say as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Even if it means taking a stand for what the Bible says is right.
The Bible after all is our instruction manual. Any question one may have, the Lord can lead you to the the answer through His word. I choose to follow and believe it to be true. All of us have that freedom, and time will tell who is right. One day each one of us will stand before the Lord. I hope I can hear "Well done, good and faithful servant." I hope the same is true for you.
I serve the Lord, I am proud to serve the Lord. I am glad I live in a country where serving the Lord is not a crime. I would hope that even if I lived in a country where serving the Lord is a crime, I would have the strength and courage to still serve the Lord.
For me serving the Lord is the best choice I could make. I made the choice to accept the Lord as a preteen in a small church. A song spoke to me, and I realized just attending church or because my parents attended church it wouldn't save me. I needed to ask Jesus to come into my life and forgive me for my wrong doings. So on that day I asked Jesus to be my savior.
I believe this is what helped me not make to bad of choices during the rest of my growing up years. Sure I messed up, but I would once again return to the Lord and seek forgiveness.
Soon though I found I wasn't completely serving the Lord. For some reason I didn't think God needed to be concern with my finances-after all money is a worldly thing not a Godly thing. I found myself in a situation where I was robbing Peter to pay Paul. Borrowing from the credit card to pay the mortgage.
Soon the money ran out, and we were facing foreclosure. I had no where to go except to my knees. That day my life was forever changed. I confessed not because the Lord didn't know-He knew all right-but because when we sin we're called to confess. That day on my knees I confessed, and the Lord saved me. He saved our home! He made it right.
Sure I've messed up from time to time(day to day), but I always return to the one who knows me better than anyone else. So I am proud to say as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Even if it means taking a stand for what the Bible says is right.
The Bible after all is our instruction manual. Any question one may have, the Lord can lead you to the the answer through His word. I choose to follow and believe it to be true. All of us have that freedom, and time will tell who is right. One day each one of us will stand before the Lord. I hope I can hear "Well done, good and faithful servant." I hope the same is true for you.
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